Nintendo says third party publishers will return as Wii U system sellers release

Nintendo remains confident that once system seller games like Super Smash Bros. are released later this year, that third party publishers will return to the Wii U as a platform. Over the course of the last few years we’ve seen support from Electronic Arts dry up to nothing, while Ubisoft continually scaled back production of Wii U titles, with only Just Dance and Watch Dogs on the horizon.

Nintendo of America Senior Director of Communication Charlie Scibetta explained that the 1.2 million sales of Mario Kart 8 definitely helped sales of the Wii U and he expects to see a similar lift in interest for the Wii U when Super Smash Bros. debuts later this year.

“We want the same thing that the third parties want, which is to grow the installed base. We’re confident that if we can do that by driving the installed base through first-party software, like Mario Kart 8, like Super Smash Bros., then the third-party developers will follow because then they’ll see there’s a large enough installed base that it’s worth their investment to bring their games to our platform. So it’s our job to grow that installed base to make it more attractive for them to come to our platform.

Nintendo finally acknowledges that the low install base for the Wii U is one of the primary reasons why third party publishers like EA and Ubisoft have slowly dropped the Wii U from their catalog of developed platforms.

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I believe that by 2015 (after smash bros,hyrule warriors,and byonetta 2 release) more third party will be considering the wiiU….i hope.

Archiq09

Platoon and Devil’s Third (more for his multiplayer).

http://obaforums.wordpress.com DragonSilths

Splatoon you mean?

Archiq09

yes! x)

Petri

EA has lost its chance, Ubisoft is damn near to it.
Sure, both has one game, that I care about, and I can forgive them, if they bring it to the Wii U, just as full as on other consoles and with nothing missing.

Alex0714

yeah lets just hope that Ubisoft is true to there word about Watchdogs for wiiU being worth the wait.

Petri

The shenanigans with the PC version is kinda turning me off from that game, Wii U version better have something very special, or way cheaper price tag.

Roadkill409

If it turns out that Watch Dogs on the Wii U is a superior version, I am sure it would win some people and sales back. And this very well could be the game to do it. But if it is just a generic or inferior port, I would guess that 3rd parties on the Wii U will have an uphill struggle in the future.

ZeldaFan83

Ubisoft has supported the Wii U since the beginning and has released more games than any other 3rd party but can’t afford to keep spending millions of dollars if their games aren’t selling. That’s just common sense. Why go broke making games for a console that isn’t selling well. I don’t blame them for that.

Petri

I don’t really care about that.
Lying and hypocrisy is what I remember them by better.
Plus they’re opening old wounds from PC gaming.

I do not want to keep repeating same old things, so…
Yes, I liked Zombi U even with all its flaws.
And I do not blame gamers for choosing the games for platforms, where they can get them sooner, or as full versions.

Capt. Smoker

After They gave everyone else Rayman Legends instead of keeping it exclusive, I couldn’t stand them, such a very shitty move.

Petri

I don’t really care that they made it multiplat.
But that they delayed the game, a ready to be shipped game, for a half year to make ports, that did not even sell that well.
Had the audacity to claim, that they did this out of fairness.
And their usual policy is to release at the same time.
And then, without blink of an eye, delayed Watch_Dogs, only for Wii U, didn’t even try to cover it, just said “we are concentrating our effort to other (5) platforms”.

Michael Legault

We have Microsoft to thank for the rayman debacle, and their policy of ‘if a game has been on another platform first, then we don’t want it at all’ which scares developers into doing stupid things like delaying ready to ship games…

Petri

They did not hold gun to Yves’ head and make them delay the game.
Ubisoft could have just released the game, see how it does, and then port it for PS platforms and PC, if MS is too good for their game.

But I do hope Microsoft does not raise to that position this generation, where they can pull that shit though.
They’re eating the humble pie for now, but as soon as they
get back up, those 180’s they’ve made become full 360’s.

Capt. Smoker

If they were playing fair, then what was announced as exclusive should have stayed exclusive, at least until a reasonable amount of years went by.

Petri

I don’t think they gave the console fair chance.
Zombi U sold to 1/4 of the install base within its first 3 months.
Granted that is not much by numbers, but by attachment ratio, its pretty good.
Only other game that they released before that, was AC 3, and than was month or 2 later than on other consoles.
So it would have been a miracle if it would have sold better than it did.
Based on that, they decided to delay a game, that was supposed to come out when Wii U, or any console for that matter didn’t have any major releases, was a stupid decision.

Though only game I’m expecting from Ubisoft anymore is BG&E 2.
If it doesn’t come for Wii U, I might get it for PC,
if they try to pull any drm shit with it, I’m pirating the game and sending the money directly for Michel Ancel, Ubisoft deserves none.

lonewolf

Bg&e2?

Petri

Beyond Good & Evil 2

lonewolf

Oh ok thanks…

Capt. Smoker

Yeah I agree, they never gave it a chance to develop any momentum, that’s one reason I think the industry is going in a bad direction, too many games made for money, not for passion, expectations too high on a new machine, remember when selling 6+ million of anything in a year n a half was a good thing?, Ubisoft really half assed the support as f they were too superior to fully support a Nintendo console so we should just be grateful to get crap over nothing from them, I hope we get Beyond good and evil 2 too, the first was amazing, if notm like you, I’ll pirate the crap outta it and send my money to somebody else.

Brandon

The ac3 argument is pretty invalid, since this was the samething that happened for ps4 and xbox onw with ac4, and it still sold well on both.

http://www.mpt-online.eu/ Sylux

100% agreement. The rayman and watchdogs part, says all it has to say. Delay one game for multiplat by 6 months but the next multiplat being delayed only on Wii U for 6 months or more. They say a lot but mostly what they say are lies like you gave the perfect example for. The excuse to make better use of the gamepad… Hypocricy.

Petri

Gamepad better have some ground breaking features.
It still wont sell that many, because those who wanted the game, didn’t wait for Wii U version.
And Ubisoft only has themselves to blame.

DC777

Well I’m sure it’s based off a percentage right? As I heard Wii U owners buy less than 1 percent of 3rd party games. So the base will have to be pretty high for that 1 percent to be a decent profit margin for Ubi or whomever.

Of course neither one is exactly out there advertising Watch Dogs Wii U or whatever.

lonewolf

Nor they were advirtising the ac4 I even saw some commercials where at the end the wii u was not even mentioned.

http://obaforums.wordpress.com DragonSilths

Fooled by Ubisofts fake smile I see….shame. To many of you fools out there. What you consider support was nothing but an illusion.

Ducked

It’s not an illusion. Why should Ubisoft invest money in games that won’t sell like he said. The only thing they screwed up was with ZombiU, which they couldn’t admit that it was buggy as hell.

lonewolf

Thats the illusion they release half made games and except to sell millions.

Fair point. But I would still rather have a game made by someone who wasn’t being treated like shit.

http://obaforums.wordpress.com DragonSilths

You honestly think Ubisoft cares about Nintendo at all or Nintendo’s fans? You no NOTHING of the mind set of the people at Ubisoft, all you have to do is see how they treat people, take the creator of Assasins Creed. He was treated like shit and tossed out of the company like garbage. He was furious with the company. Ubisoft is a company that cares about promising false things like the early Watch Dog graphics then, downgrading it, and going from a yearly AC game to 2 a year, Ubifail’s minds are corrupt and distasteful. They care about getting you’re money and nothing more. They have no passion for what they do. Sure some individuals do, like the art designer of Child Of Light. But for the most part, Ubisoft is just a smidge better then EA.

Daniel Gonzalez

Companies care more about getting their hands on the money of their consumers and fans. So really, very few care enough about your well being. Only the well being of their company. Do you really know what goes on in the minds of these developers? I doubt that. None of us really do. Only from what we read in articles. Ubisoft supported the Wii U loads better than EA. They made their mistakes, but I can’t fault them for doing what they felt was best for their business.

bistricky

I agree with you.
“Ubisoft supported the Wii U loads better than EA”

Ubisoft has continued to keep the door open for future games for the Wii U (and if we like it or not, have publicly said why) and have released 15 games already (and 2 more still for this year) …. with the exception of the brutal “Marvel Adventures Battle For Earth”, they have been generally good to great.

On the other hand, EA only released 4 games for the Wii U and on their website emphasised that they don’t intend to make another Wii U game (by crossing out their link to ‘release dates’). Add to that, their (EA) recent decision to offer Fifa 15 to Wii but not Wii U.

Ubisoft is definitely “loads better than EA” and by far the most significant 3rd party games maker, so far, for the Wii U.

Cheers

http://obaforums.wordpress.com DragonSilths

Yes I know what goes in the minds of some of these developers, I know some of them personally to be more specific. As a dev myself I can tell quite easily what a company’s motives and philosophy is.

Michael Legault

I like to think the whole modern story bit in AC4 was a cry for help from the developers, with the whole working for a very evil company that makes games

URFTBOUND4LIFE .

But Ubi did in fact brought most of this on themselves too. Delaying Rayman Legends cutting content from Splinter Cell and AC4 made gamers who would have bought the Wii U version turn elsewhere for their games. All because Zombie U didn’t sell like they wanted. They are just being petty to Wii U owners now.How you can’t see that is beyond me

matthew garcia

I don’t think ubi bought anything upon themselves. They put a effort into Nintendo and it didn’t work good. Ubisoft could probably honestly care less for Nintendo there games sale very well on ps4 and Xbone And pc. They don’t need Nintendo but at least they put a effort

Daniel Gonzalez

True. They were the ones that really supported the Wii U up to this point. Hard to fault them for it. Sales were poor for Wii U ports. Which is why AC Unity isn’t coming to the Wii U.

Brandon

Wouldnt that maybe be hardware problems also?

Daniel Gonzalez

Do you mean underpowered? Yeah, that’s a factor in it too I’m sure.

Brandon

Not saying the wii u is underpiwered, just not powerful enough for so e games that come to ps4 and xbox one.

Daniel Gonzalez

Well I meant that it’s not on par with PS4 and Xbox One in power. Should have explained it better. My bad.

Brandon

Its fine.

URFTBOUND4LIFE .

“Couldn’t care less” not ”Could care less” and no Ubi does care if they games don’t sell because it cost money to port games over. Did you forget when they were actually treating to pull support if more Wii U owners don’t buy games from them?

Ducked

They delayed Rayman Legends because Wii U sales were so poor, they would have lost a lot of money if they didn’t. Like Ubisoft or not, there the only big third party to give an ounce of support for the Wii U.

Daniel Gonzalez

They still are more or less. MK8 is about the only game that is really driving in sales at the moment. I can’t say it’s going to continue, but we’ll see as it comes. Ubisoft I felt made the right choice for delaying Rayman Legends. Most say had it been on time, it would have sold a lot on the Wii U. Maybe, or maybe not. We will never know. My money says that it would have probably sold half a million at most judging by the pattern of sales thus far excluding Mario Kart 8.

matthew garcia

Yeah what people don’t realize is that 2 weeks of good sales don’t make up for a year and a half of horrible sales

Daniel Gonzalez

True story. It certainly does help after horrid sales for months, but Nintendo has a long way to go. It’s a start at the very least. It’s good that they have plenty of 1st party games coming, but without third party games to fill in those gaps, I expect that droughts will continue on. Only so many games Nintendo can scrape up in a year.

matthew garcia

Very true. Nintendo would be retarded not to try to buy capcom for lack of there 3rd party. If Nintendo doesn’t end up with capcom I’ll call them straight up retarded

Daniel Gonzalez

I don’t think they will. Nintendo isn’t really known to buy up companies. If they were smart, they would at least get their hands on Monster Hunter and Mega Man. However, I think Sega or Namco will end up purchasing them.

matthew garcia

Yeah I can’t wait to find out who

ZeldaFan83

Could Sega or Bandai Namco even afford Capcom. It would probably cost a billion or two at the minimum. Sega hasn’t been doing so well with the titles it’s been releasing. I would like to see Nintendo buy Capcom but let them make their games their way especially the more mature ones like DMC or Resident Evil. I just hope it’s not Microsoft or Sony. It’d be interesting if they merged with another game company though like Squaresoft did with Enix.

Ducked

Delaying Rayman Legends was the right business move from what I see. Nintendo fanboys expect third parties to burn money for there console. MK8 should be driving sales up for at least the next two months. Smash Bros will be there biggest system seller even with the 3DS stealing a little thunder. I’m still uncertain if third parties will come back.

Daniel Gonzalez

I think they made up their minds and are sticking with PS4, Xbox One and PC. Of course Capcom, Sega and Ubisoft to name a few, will keep at it, but they make up a minority. Nintendo will do what they do best, and continue depending mostly on their 1st party to drive up sales. Not like it’s the end of the world. If fans are happy, power to them. I just refuse to blend in with the crazy fanboys who think that Nintendo is some type of God. Lol.

Ducked

Exactly. The fanboys who complain about these third parties abandoning the Wii U are the same ones who don’t buy their games. I don’t really mind having a console that just has first party games. Nintendo has some pretty good games coming out, and I already planned on purchasing a PS4. Fanboys treating Nintendo like a God is pretty accurate, speaking Nintendo does no wrong.

Jonathan Robitaille

RL has been a disaster for them across the board. They could have a) kept it exclusive and the desperate for games Wii U owners would have gobbled it up in Feb 13 or b)delay to put on all systems to a time that other higher profile games would relegate RL to the backpages. They chose b. It was a massive mistake. Not only did it not sell well on the other platforms but the pissed off Wii U owners didn’t buy it. They gambled and lost big time. That franchise is actually in a lot of trouble. Great games, great reviews..but Ubi sabotaged themselves.

In what way was it the right business move?

Rinslowe

If they released Rayman Legends for Wii U on time. I believe it would have done a lot better on all platforms…

Darius

funny how legends sold better on that console with poor sales

URFTBOUND4LIFE .

No they wouldn’t. Rayman would have boosted sales for the Wii U. Plenty of people were looking forward Legends(myself included) and was more than willing to buy Wii Us just to play it. Played the demo in store and knew I had to have it. What did they do? Delayed a game for 7 months 4 days before the launch date and released it along side with GTA 5 (which was suicide). They would have made more money if they partnered with Nintendo and made a Rayman bundle. In the end the game still underperformed because most PS360 users were too busy playing GTA. The had a system seller but they didn’t have faith in their product.

Ducked

You really think Rayman Legends would help save the Wii U. It would sell a few consoles, but wouldn’t change a thing. You can only blame Nintendo, it was their stupidy in not releasing a single game until August when Pikmin 3 released. If you really think tons of people would pay $350 for a 2D side scroller, than that’s fine. But in reality, Nintendo hurt themselves by relying on third parties to sell there console.

Jonathan Robitaille

save your breath. The trolls don’t care and you can’t change their mind

tom

Zombiu has sold at least 600k. Thats really great for a 3rd party company with a small install base

504HotBoy

Actually more. It sold some where over 700k. I think it’s the best selling 3rd party game on Wii U.

tom

What are they complaining about ?Thats is a big enough fan base for a sequel!

bistricky

Ubisoft claimed that they didn’t make a profit on ZombiU …. even with the 700K+ in sales (which they had claimed earlier was a lower-budget game to produce) …. thus killing off a sequel to ZombiU, which was supposedly in the works and the reason why they made Rayman Legends a multi-platform game.

Cheers

bistricky

ZombieU is an interesting game …. I happen to like it a lot (when I got the hang of it). I am not sure but I do believe you are correct in saying it was (and is) the best selling 3rd party game on the Wii U ….. yet, it did have the luck to be a Wii U console bundle, which played its part in its sales.

Cheers

Rinslowe

And an exclusive…

bistricky

Yeah …. an exclusive third party console bundle ….. that was a Mature rated game ….. go figure.

Rinslowe

More of those…
A sequel. I think Nintendo should negotiate that one for their fans…

bistricky

As far as I understand, ZombieU is no longer being distributed retail (aka, discontinued production) …. if and only if, the Wii U install base grows to that unknown level that both Ubisoft and Nintendo is aiming for, then why not ….. a ZombieU 2 (maybe including ZombieU, for those newer Wii U owners) might be a smart move …. alas, today its a definite non-starter but in the future, it could be something …. even if its a long-shot (at best).

Cheers

Jonathan Robitaille

yep. I wonder if they can still claim it is not profitable with a straight face. I don’t know what they expected for sales. It has a pretty substantial attach rate for a zombie game on a Nintendo console. I think it’s just another in a long line of b.s. excuses they use to explain their reluctance to continue to support the Wii U

RyuNoHadouken

I never experienced any glitches playing ZombiU…Nintenkids just didnt buy it

Rinslowe

The thing here to remember is that almost all of their titles are multiplatform. That allows costs to be spread out. A port by it’s definition is the development of a title that has been mostly built already on another platform – the lead. I don’t see how Ubisoft unless paid to do so would spend the time or effort to develop the title in tandem, 1 to 1. Perhaps quite a few steps behind. Nor am I implying that porting is always a straight forward process. But with each title comes better understanding of the hardware. I mean surely a company of Ubisofts scope, documents everything in a structured system. Throughout each part of the development process. And we can see that many of their annual releases (within the same series) share a lot of the same basic assets. Or correct me if I’m wrong
In that regard I would for one, honestly like to know just how much it takes from their budget and resources to fund a porting effort on Wii U, all the way through to marketing and shipping (based on how much of that they’ve incurred so far). And then we could predict how much they’re making or losing on each release…

ZeldaFan83

I know ZombiU was a Wii U exclusive built from the ground up and Rayman Legends was too at least until it was ported over to be multiplatform. I don’t think the main user base will be upset that they left and hold a grudge when they return and be like: F*ck Y*u Ubisoft, you left us so screw you. That’s only something fanboys would do. Most gamers will be happy that they have more games available for their console and they will focus on getting the games they like whether that’s Rayman, Assassin’s Creed or Just Dance. Ubisoft did say that they lost quite a bit of money with ZombiU and that’s why they didn’t release a sequel even though the studio that created the first one were working on a prototype but Ubisoft canceled it because of lack of sales of the original and the consumer base wasn’t there for it.

Jonathan Robitaille

they might not stop buying their games but like me, they will only buy them when they hit bargain basement prices. I got RL for $5 through a Target deal a few weeks agao and AC4 for $15 yesterday at Toys R Us. They don’t deserve to be blacklisted as they are making games, but you don’t have to reward their behavior by buying day one or paying full retail either. Their games go on sale faster than any other publisher it seems. It takes like 3 months for games to be like 70% off lol

Michael Dierlam

Placing blame on the 3rd parties is pointless. They can’t invest money into software that doesn’t have the potential to cover the investment. With Ubisoft, we should be thanking them instead of getting upset. They have supported Nintendo more than any other 3rd party.

Petri

Being the prettiest of the piles of turd, still does not make it more than a pile of turd.
Sure, they may have done more, than others, but do you think they gave the console a fair chance and equal treatment?

Michael Dierlam

Fair Chance and Equal Treatment? Since when is that a 3rd party developers responsibility? If anything, Ubisoft gave us more than a “fair chance”. Ubisoft provided a critically acclaimed exclusive game at launch (ZombieU) that ended up being a financial failure. This forced them to go multi-plat for Rayman Legends, and adjust their support for the WiiU. These are decisions that ANY RATIONAL business would make.

Petri

Critically acclaimed?
I liked the game, but I do not blame anyone for not buying that glitch filled garage project.
Though they sold the game to 1/4th of the install base in 3 months time.
Was it RATIONAL to delay a ready to be shipped game for a half of a year, when there was practically no competition for the game?
And how did that work out for them?

I do not have to think what’s right in the sense of business, I am not a shareholder, nor do I have to praise them for their business decisions one way or another.

Michael Dierlam

You questioned if the decisions they made were fair and equal. We can’t judge that unless we consider their decisions from a business standpoint. In case you were not aware, businesses don’t make decisions based on being fair. Zombie U sold to 1/4 the install base, great. That only proves that the install base is too small and affects future decisions to support the console.

The easy route is to just blame 3rd parties, but we can do that until we’re blue in the face but it won’t change the fact that they won’t support Wii U to the same level as other consoles without a better install base. It’s NINTENDO’S job to make sure that large install base exists, not 3rd parties.

Petri

That is just it.
Nintendo is the only company that is expected to raise their install base with first party only.

This forces the consumer to go for another device to play those titles.
That creates the “Nintendo fanboys don’t like 3rd party” and “Nintendo=first party only games”.

3rd parties “tested the waters” with ports of old games,
thinking Wii U userbase was built from Wii only gamers (is there such thing?).
Then based on that, they started stripping features from the games.
And excluding Wii U from new game releases.

Maybe it is as much Nintendo’s fault, to let this happen.
They should have said no to old and inferior ports, and try to get bigger third party games for the system.

And gamer still does not have to think about sales or numbers.
We are consumers, we can form our opinions even from just the behavior of the company or its representatives.
Consumer has the right to demand fairness and equality.

For me, Ubisoft with their poorly implicated drm on PC,
and now with their hypocrisy with delays are what is making me think twice to support the company.

Sorry if I sound like a fanatic Nintendo fanboy damning all third party.

http://obaforums.wordpress.com DragonSilths

Disagree. Activision has been a strong supporter, everything but Destiny has been supported on a Wii U and 3DS.

greengecko007

If you’re going to make it perfectly clear to everyone that Ubisoft hasn’t done everything within their power to support the Wii U 100%, why do you not apply the same criticisms to Activision? Both companies did support the Wii U versions of their games with the same DLC that is available for purchase on the other systems.

tom

They even released DLC for the wii u version of COD ghost. Thats makes the respect them a bit.

Dark Lord Sauron

well we all know EA is run by monkeys

gamingpalooza

EA are just a bunch of dirty c*cksuckers who are mad because Nintendo refused to use origins.

TheSkeletonMan939 .

EA and Ubisoft just think they’re “too cool” for Nintendo, which is why they’ve almost entirely dropped their products from the system.

Petri

Well, EA is still selling their roster updates for Wii and 3DS.

companyoflosers

look, ubisoft at least has been trying very hard on the wii u. r=they ARE a company after all and they cant keep losing money on systems that dont sell. i think if ubisoft can hang in there until the wii u turns around, they will be glad they did. but dont throw ubisoft in the same boat as EA. Ea constantly lied to nintendo and its fans and they even insulted the wii u behind our backs. ubisoft gave it their best shot.

ZeldaFan83

Ubisoft dropped support because they were losing millions of dollars with each game release. It only makes sense to wait until the install base is higher and their games will sell better and they will actually make a profit….it’s a business after all.

T J

Don’t lump EA and Ubisoft in the same category. At least one of those companies can release a ‘fun’ annual release, and doesn’t have a history with releasing unfinished games.

Ubisoft tried with Nintendo, but sadly I think the situation with Ubisoft actually scared other 3rd party devs given how much money they lost trying to support the Wii U platform with such a low install base.

lonewolf

Ubisoft is to blame themselves not nintendo when they had finished game and decided to delayed not only once but they did that twice with watchdogs as well. (The first one being rayman legends).

Carlos Webster

You know, Nintendo finally seems to know what to do about the Wii U

John Andalora

They’ve been saying things like this since the Wii U started having problems.
But it’s been all talk, no action.

Carlos Webster

Well there’s a new article on this site on how Miyamoto wants suggestions for new games.

John Andalora

And I’m definitely writing a response right now.
But Iwata has said things about 3rd party for such a long time, and they tend to just be words in the end.

companyoflosers

even if they do, nintendo should refuse to work with EA. sorry EA, you had your chance but you lost it with your blatant lies and B.S “frostbite 3 engine wont work on wii u” comments. ubisoft however at least gave its best for a good while until the rayman origins debacle. they did the most with what they had at the time.

Phoenix Maybe

Let’s hope Nintendo convinces Ubisoft in time before they scrapped their supposedly finished Wii U game.

Third parties will come to Wii U if there is enough consoles sold, I don’t think anyone is denying that, but part of me wants to believe that there wouldn’t be very many people buying third party games on the Wii U anyway, as most people would buy them on other consoles, because the Wii U is to “Underpowered”, I can’t believe some people think that actually matters.

Roadkill409

Nintendo needs to convince 3rd parties to make the game experience the best on the Wii U and (maybe) it will sell. Game play is really Nintendo’s strength.

MerryBlind .

Well it matters when you have choice. Obviously if all you have is a Wii U, then you’ll be content with getting any multiplatform game on it. However, if you have both a Wii U AND a PC (like me), then you will obviously want the better version of the two, and in most case, that’s going to be the PC version, unless the Wii U version has really cool exclusive functionalities.

Roadkill409

Nintendo’s future is truly in their own hands, in so many ways.
3rd parties are easy to predict. Follow the money. EA will never be more than a discount buy at best for me, but even EA will follow the money if it is there.
Nintendo won’t win in the graphics category (but they should be close), but Nintendo just needs to convince 3rd parties to play to what Nintendo does best, making it the best gaming experience and (most) people will buy it.

Brandon

What third parties is he talking about, because I know damn well that the big third parties are not going back to a console where there game isnt going to sell.

Darkscarab

did you even read it properly?

Brandon

Yes

Officer Raichu

capcom square enix namco ubisoft(they will if the install base is bigger) sega with more games and activision possibly konami will be genorous and put metal gear solid 5 on there
the only one not coming back is ea but do we really need battlefield and sports games when we could have 2k come back ;p

T J

I’m still hoping against hope that we will see a port of KH3 and FFXV on Wii U. Pisses me off that KH3 is going to be on XBone with 0 games in the franchise on an Xbox console. At least Nintendo did the bulk of the handhelds.

Brandon

Capcom, sega, and namco for sure they will support more. Ubisoft, square, and konami are a big maybe. 2k is like ea, and is not coming to back.

Officer Raichu

activision big maybe?

Brandon

Yeah that too.

Officer Raichu

at least there acknowledging that third party isnt on wii u and have an idea similar to mine on how to bring it back

https://twitter.com/Onyzora Ony

Well one of them third party could easely become first party when Nin’ would buys it :°

MEGAMAN, THE SUPER FIGHTING ROBOT, FIGHTING TO SAVE THE WORLD !

Kevin

I don’t think I’ll ever buy an EA game again. It seems so me that they are trying to make a point by releasing FIFA on the Wii and not the Wii U.

simkenno

I like that Nintendo admit this. But currently the balls in their court, Smash Bros is around the corner and Zelda U is next year. So let’s try finish off all those haters and doubters with the new StarFox and a return to a HD metroid, I’d love to see them all by the end of 2015 or very early 2016. if anyone can do it its Nintendo

Ken Seymour

When will 3rd party developers stop feeding us this bullshit about small install base?? The Xbox One has a smaller install base and they are still making games for them. Just tell the truth, they are too lazy to learn how to code for the Wii U because it is different than the PS4 and Xbox one. On the bigger scale, I think 3rd party developers want one of the big 3 to back out and they want it to be Nintendo…

Gabe Hoffman

Looking at Ubisofts recent statements tell me that Wii U’s third party problems stem more from install base and profitability than hardware issues. If user base increase developers are more inclined to support the system its simple as that

Lil J Moore

Again I don’t hold anything against 3rd parties but if they fully supported the console with the whole content and sweet promotions It could have been different. Ubisoft is no saint.

Mr Ninty

its very easy to crank up sales. what i would do if i was nintendo when smash bros comes out buy lots of smash bros and wiiu’s in a period of 2 months a total of perhaps 1.5 million.

when the media and the people start talking about the high sales of the wiiu and ssb, even more people will buy the wiiu because people are sheep.

then when starfox comes out do the same thing with that and buy 1 million wiiu in a period of 1 months or less.

at this point the wiiu will have a10 million instalbase and then tell the world see the wiiu did a u-turn. then the sales will automatically pick-up from then on. also in the period from ssb to end 2015 nintendo should buy/assist with 3party devs to get big multiplats to wiiu so more sheep will come running and if they do it correctly the wiiu will be out of its death spiral

Shaise

They’ve said it so many times.

Leo

The 3rd party industry tried everything they could to bury Nintendo and once again they failed. It seems they can’t support three consoles at the same time, therefore they must reduce the industry to just two consoles to make it financially viable, but Nintendo is not playing their dirty game and is here to STAY.

DC777

I know Wii U owners have severely neglected 3rd party titles but they have also neglected first party as well. Even MK8 numbers are a bit underwhelming for a 6 million install base, but at least nowhere near DKTF. Honestly don’t know why over half of Wii U owners bought one if they aren’t even buying the best games.

Charlieblizz

yeah, I don’t really buy the whole “if we just increase the install base” argument when we saw publishers stay away on the Wii…because their games didn’t sell. Just looking at the U, and I don’t know why AC4 didn’t sell better. Or Rayman Legends. Or ZombiU. Or Wonderful 101. Or Black Ops 2. Or, as you mentioned, first party titles like DK or Pikmin 3.

Wii Party U has moved over a million units, though. Luigi U over 1.5 million. Those aren’t exactly great games, but they’ve moved more than any listed above. So let’s not kid ourselves that it’s a quality issue.

To get third party support, we have to support the third party efforts.

lonewolf

Rayman legends sold more on the wii u than the other game consoles.

Charlieblizz

It was also plugged more for the U for an extra,what, year? It’s arguably the U’s best platformer, and hasn’t had a ton of competition for shelf space in the nintendo cases.

I’m pretty certain No More Heroes sold more on the Wii than in its PS3 release, but that doesn’t mean it was given the support it deserved from Nintendo owners.

greengecko007

Not according to vgchartz, which you can take with the a grain of salt I suppose.

DC777

Yeah I don’t think that is the only reason although with only 1 percent or less of 3rd party games going to Wii U peoples, I’m sure a larger base wouldn’t hurt.

Nevertheless, we never see third parties pushed and advertised the way the other 2 do it and someone should catch blame for that.

Charlieblizz

Nintendo should be pushing their third party and indie titles a lot harder. It wouldn’t hurt if they could even just have some sort of “developer direct” or something where maybe Reggie sits down and interviews a company with a new title on the Eshop or something.

lonewolf

Havent you watched the treehouse or some of the directs where they show indie games almost every direct?

Zuxs13

1 in every 6 consoles bought Mario Kart in the first week and that’s underwhelming?

DC777

It is if you figure it is the biggest game to come out on the system with a free game to boot. Not to mention a small portion just bought the bundled console. That and the fact that the numbers for the following week aren’t so incredible. Idk, not sure why it wouldn’t be higher tbh. Barely any games have come out and none to come for months. Makes me wonder what exactly people want anymore.

Zuxs13

People want GTA V and bllod and guts and flashy realistic graphics for no other reason than because it looks cool.

tom

True

http://obaforums.wordpress.com DragonSilths

People have changed, alot of people got rid of their Wii U’s last year during the drought.

Ghazbaran

Please hear yourself. How can Wii U owners neglect the only games that have been released for it? The only reason the few 3rd party games haven’t sold more is because either they were half completed games or they don’t announce them, and more recently, delaying the release solely for this console for several months later.

Yen

What do they even want from the install base? If install base is the only issue, why not keep making games for the Wii? And PS3 and 360? Those have the most install base right now and are still decent consoles. Wii U’s install base is roughly the same as PS4 and Xbox One in terms of numbers. Even if it took more time to get the same install base, the number of people is still there and if they made games for it that number will only go up.

lonewolf

No nintendo doesnt admit anything they just repeat what third party publishers has said the xboxone has lower instal base than the wii u as of right now and games are still popping out for the system so we all know its not the instal base why they dont support the wii u.

Zuxs13

I agree with you. I don’t see its just the install base. many wii u’s games have sold better than xb1 games and the wii u’s is out selling xb1right now. But nothing is coming to the wii u.

ben

Nothing announced from the 3 big publishers in the west does not mean that games are not being developed by new publishers and Japanese publishers.

John Andalora

Reason for that is that lower install base does not mean less software sales.

Look up how many units of Titanfall or FIFA 14 were sold on Xbox One versus all EA games on the Wii U.
Sadly, people didn’t want games made by EA on the Wii U, so EA did what they thought they should and simply went on to Xbox One and PS4.

Developers won’t support a system just because more people own it. That market also has to want and buy the games they make.

matthew garcia

Totally agree

lonewolf

Nope ea were butthurt when nintendo turned them down and said no to Origin and said we will make our own network do not worry and does came the e-shop.

matthew garcia

I’m not sure if your an athlete or not but a lot of people love sports games and Nintendo could use ea for just that. Sports games sell really good

John Andalora

Agree.
I don’t buy every sports game in the world, but I will buy a new one every so often to see the changes.

ben

Nintendo would be better off bedding konami to make PES for Wii u, than begging EA back.

lonewolf

Sports games sell really good yes but what nintendo has to do to get to their knees and beg for games from ea? Please they are far better than ea there is no reason for them to dothat. Besides a lot of people who played fifa or any sports games ea has to offer (except for few) are looking for sports games elsewhere because ea ruins them.

John Andalora

Origin isn’t on Xbox One or PS4, but EA doesn’t seem to mind. In fact, EA and Xbox One are fairly close despite the lack of Origin in their shops.

John Andalora

Wishful thinking, but I unfortunately do not think this is likely unless Nintendo makes a change.

See, the issue with Nintendo and 3rd party has always been how they approach each other. Sony and Microsoft work extensively with 3rd party developers by telling them all they can about the new console, working with them to show them how it works, and then listen in to see how it fits into the plan of the 3rd party developers. Nintendo, on the other hand, simply makes a console, and then says “It’d be really cool if you guys made games for this thing.” Nintendo doesn’t talk to them about the benefits of using a GamePad or listen to how they intend to use it. Instead, they just make a new piece of hardware and expect everyone to go along for the ride.

While low software sales have been a big problem for 3rd party development, the biggest problem is that Nintendo doesn’t work with 3rd party. Most 3rd party developers aren’t going to waste the time and resources it takes to learn how to develop for a new console when they have other guys working with them on how to do it.

If Nintendo wants 3rd party developers, they have to work for it.

lonewolf

If someone ignores you and laughs at you do you beg them to love and show you their attention towards you? You know how some people gain friends? With giving rich gifts and to spend money for them and I guess no I am sure that what is that sony and microsoft does to get all the support they get and thats why nintendo is always the laughing stock which is intentional to give up and not make consoles any more I know this sounds ludicrous but is the harsh reality kf todays gaming community (the publishers and developers one) and only because nintendo doesnt bows down to something like that and refuses to do according to others which I highly respect them for. But not everyone are like that.

John Andalora

Here’s the difference between what I’m saying and what you’re saying.

I don’t think Nintendo needs to beg them to love and devote all they have to 3rd party. That’s only gonna get people trampling on them. Nor do I think they should try to get people like EA who say they support it and then turn their backs on it.

But you can’t make a friend without talking to them, and you aren’t going to make a friend by simply asking them to make things for you. Nintendo doesn’t need to try to beg people to come back, but rather make closer relationships with other game developers and simply involve them in their plans.

“Not bowing down” and not working well with others are two completely different things.

Also, please use punctuation.

lonewolf

Havent you watched the treehouse at this e3 and what the developers of bayonetta and devils third had to say with their relationship with nintendo? And the indie developers as well? Its not that I disagree with you but there are some developers (publishers like ea and few others) who just want to look down on nintendo and look for a hidden bowing down from nintendo as if nintedo depends from them which is not true.

John Andalora

Do you remember what both of those developers said was the reason why they decided to make this game for the Wii U?

Because Nintendo paid for it.

I’m not even kidding.

Kellams at PlatinumGames states that Bayonetta 2 was only being made because Nintendo “white-knighted” the project and became the major publisher, throwing enough money at it to get it produced.

Devil’s Third: Same story. Valhalla Studios had all the publishing from THQ, but when THQ went bankrupt someone else needed to foot the bill. Therefore, Nintendo stepped in and took the helm.

Both of those examples are possibly with worst examples you could ever throw when you’re trying to make the case that Nintendo shouldn’t just throw money at people to get games on their platform.

ben

In all fairness Platinum only makes games as a freelance game developer. They publish with whoever will pay them. If you knew about Platinum you would know why they have this policy. Nintendo has a contract with Platinum to make games. Platinum has a contract with MS. that is how Platinum games works.
THe guys who run that company want a lot of creative freedom and that is how they get it. THey are all ex Capcom.

Devil’s third was rescued.

John Andalora

There’s definitely nothing wrong with contract 3rd party development.
But his argument in general was that Nintendo didn’t need to “bow down” to 3rd party development by giving them tons of money, and he uses two developers which are making games on the Wii U because they gave them a big amount of money to make them.

lonewolf

Yes they paid but they didnt ran off to this developers with tons of cash the developers ran to nintendo to ask for tons of cash or you forgot that part?

John Andalora

False.
Platinum Games works for whoever pays them. They don’t ask for contracts. Others come to them. Why else would they be working on a new game for the Xbox One?
Valhalla studios, same thing. Nintendo bought the rights to their publishing. Valhalla never came to them. Nintendo went to Valhalla.

Brush up on your news before you accuse someone of intentionally leaving out information.

lonewolf

Hmm maybe now thats the case but like two years ago platinum had two options either ditching the game or going to nintendo (the last option they had as a publisher since sega didnt wanted to fun the game neither did sony nor microsoft) so they went to nintendo. I dont know if you are born yesteday or something like that but this was big news when they first showed bayonetta 2 for the wii u.

John Andalora

You keep trying to find a reason to insult me, but what you say doesn’t hold water.
Your main point that Nintendo shouldn’t give money to developers didn’t work, and your point that the developers went to Nintendo instead of vice versa didn’t work.
Now you come here with this claim that Nintendo saved this game from being scrapped.
It wasn’t that they had to scrap it or go with Nintendo. If you read the article I posted you’d find that too.

I no longer wish to continue a conversation with you, as you are trying to insult my intelligence by presenting claims with no proof to back them up.
Take care.

Rinslowe

I think most people mean in terms of multiplats. Of course correct me if I’m wrong in this example. But yeah, I think most people are only thinking multiplatform titles = bad idea, throwing money at studios/ publishers to make it happen.
It’s the opposite for exclusivity though. I think this is a smart move. So long as the title is worth funding. Having it a system exclusive is ultimately a good thing. And fair enough that the hardware manufacturer needs to get creative in going about getting that exclusivity.
In the short to mid term, it may take some convincing and decent marketing to get the right kind of sales happening. But in the long run, as each exclusive title adds to another. The platform becomes a relevant place to enjoy titles not found anywhere else. Why should this strategy be exclusive to first and second party titles only?
A sends a pretty clear and decisive message as well, imo.

John Andalora

I agree with what you are saying.
The issue was that lonewolf was trying to show how great Nintendo’s relationship with 3rd party development is and how they don’t need to throw money at developers, while citing examples of companies making exclusives because Nintendo gave them a bunch of money.

I certainly agree that 3rd party exclusives are a great idea but that they don’t need to spend all their money on just that, I agree that throwing money at studios to get multiplatform games on their consoles is a bad idea, and I agree that the platform in the long run will become a place where you can enjoy exclusive games.

However, I feel that Nintendo still needs to try and improve their relations with 3rd party multiplatform developers. Having more options for games coming out would definitely attract more individuals to buying that console. I think that one of the things stopping people from buying a Wii U is lack of titles coming out (not necessarily lack of quality titles, but that games tend to be few and far between with nothing to fill the time).

See, there is a majority of games for XBO and PS4 that are multiplatform, but they also have their fair share of exclusives coming out with them as well. For Fall 2014, PS4 has Little BigPlanet 3 and DriveClub. Alongside that, they have Far Cry 4, Alien: Isolation, The Evil Within, Middle Earth, Evolve, Destiny, Assassin’s Creed Unity, Battlefield; Hardline and Plants Vs. Zombies; Garden Warfare coming out.

I simply think that Nintendo needs to try and reach out to these other developers and make them feel more included in their plans. I think they need to show the developers why they should make games on the Wii U rather than simply making the console and expecting them to play along.

Rinslowe

Yep I agree with all of that. Only thing is though. I believe Nintendo’s only options this time around (They’re already close to half way through the average Nintendo console lifespan or thereabouts) is to up the internal development even more as they have partially shown to be doing during E3. And fund another half a dozen exclusives on top.
I honestly do not think third parties are going to see those results they’re hoping for this generation.
But absolutely, Nintendo should get to rebuilding those bridges now. In the good will of universal success next gen…

matthew garcia

But I don’t think ea or Ubisoft need Nintendo. There games sell very well on other consoles and I think people should respect the fact that they put effort into a console that they don’t have to. They would probably save money for not making Wii u games but they do it anyway. They don’t need Nintendo they sale millions elsewhere

lonewolf

Well they are not making wii u games anymore so they sell millions yes but millions of bug fest games (atleast ea) ubisoft is just decent and that says alot of the standard of gamers today.

Rinslowe

There is a truth to this…

lonewolf

Yea “ea” was “friend” and when nintendo refused origin they stabbed nintendo in the back. Ofcouse I was not talking about friends friends because if you buy expensive gifts so someone wkll become your friend then he is not really your friend because if someone with a more expensive gift shows up youll be quilcky forgotten. (In my original comment I was referring business partners as “friends” I just didnt expressed my self correctly).

Rinslowe

It’s all about leverage. Not so much the size of a “gift”. Although that is something you need to be aware of depending on the person – relative to the size of your interest/ investment/ connections or favour. It’s about what you can offer them in the long run. What they can offer you. Building this understanding takes time, so someone turning up with a larger offering in hand is not necessarily looking to be a better option. In most cases because this aspect saps so much of your time….
But yeah I did get your point in the first post…

http://obaforums.wordpress.com DragonSilths

They will never full come, if they did that would kill PS and Xbox since you can get everything on the Nintendo console then, 3rd parties want more money so they would rather make money off PS and Xbox and no Nintendo platform then just Nintendo’s platform which would be a small amount compared to their current situation. Nintendo hasn’t had major 3rd party support since the SNES cause back then Nintendo WAS the gaming industry basically lol. There was no PS1 or Xbox yet. Sure there was Sega, but look how they turned out. Point is never expect Nintendo to EVER gain full 4rd party support. If they get 50% consider it a miracle.

John Andalora

There’s a difference between wanting more money and not making a profit.

So many 3rd party Wii U games by big developers didn’t make a profit.
Why invest in a group that doesn’t want what you’re selling?

Daniel Gonzalez

Because they will uhm….not buy your games? That’s what all the cool people are doing(sarcasm).

Rinslowe

Actually the point about profit needs to be an open book for this topic to have any real discussions made about it. IMO.
We really don’t know what the true financial impact is at the end of the day. Most third party content being ports.

John Andalora

1) I like your picture.

2) I do agree that we don’t know the true financial impact of some of these games.
However, I would like to give (most) 3rd party developers the benefit of the doubt and confirm that if they say they didn’t make a profit on a game, then they didn’t make a profit.
If we don’t know how much it cost them to make the game, we can’t

Also, considering that for the Xbox 360 and PS3 3rd party games are both a “port” of the same build, I don’t quite understand why a “port” is a bad thing, especially when they could (and did) simply start not making games altogether. I agree that a gimped and gutted version of the game like some developers did is unfair (particularly EA), but considering that most 3rd party games are “ports” and that making the game from the ground up multiple times to try and accommodate to every console would ridiculously increase the cost I don’t see that as a bad thing.

Rinslowe

I never thought to imply that being a port is a bad thing at all, It isn’t. What I was referring to being that most Wii U third party titles are ports. Developed from a base platform, that were either outsourced or handled by markedly smaller teams. This is why I want to know what is the actual cost to develop each title for Wii U – as a port. Because as a port it’s made with multiple platforms in mind. Based on the install base and attach rate there are easy ways for them to calculate risk. But how much does a Wii U port effect that as a whole, given the amount of resources provided to it. And what are the costs actually for manpower, time, marketing etc.. etc.. for porting on the platform and compare that with the actual sales made. I guess because although like yourself I believe they’re not making a profit in every case. The story is only partially told up to that point. Of course I’m also not implying that studio’s should build a game up for each platform. That makes little sense. But neither was that what I was getting at either…
Having said that. Completely unrelated to costing and risk management for ports. Third parties should be enticed by Nintendo to develop from the ground up exclusives for their platform. Because to me. Third parties aren’t in a rush to return to the platform any time soon. Install base is not the real issue there. It’s attach rate…

John Andalora

My apologies. Most people tend to use ports with negative connotations, and I misinterpreted your words.
Well, costs of creating a game are more than what you dump into the game. There’s the pay for all the people working to get it on the console (from time they start learning to the games release) which includes going through the entire original code and rewriting it for the specifics of the console (OS and how the console reads things), there’s the added cost of making something for the GamePad, testing it over and over and over, since the disks aren’t officially Blu-Ray most publishers have to buy the Nintendo disks, and then the cost of printing a million or more copies.
Just to name a few costs.

And as you’ve already listed a lot of these things, you’d be very surprised at the costs. People who work with computers get paid very handsomely.

I also never implied that you meant that each game should be made from the ground up. It was simply a statement on ports.

As for attachment rate, while I do think that it’s in interesting way of measuring sales, it puts all software into the same category and doesn’t take note of which games sell more or less (It’s a similar concern that I have with install rate). Wii U software sale is currently over 25 million units retail, and at a 6.3 million sale of the console, it sounds like sales are going well with about 4 software for 1 hardware. However, this doesn’t specify what the software is. This doesn’t show that Super Mario 3D World makes up about 2 million sales while Assassin’s Creed IV only sold 180,000.
My concern with attachment rate is that it focuses on the sales of overall software and ignores individual software sales, which can make it appear like there isn’t a concern when there is.

Rinslowe

Yes I agree with most of what you’ve written. Except that for each individual company they are able to easily calculate their own attach rate. This is what I was getting at there. It’s their own understanding of the attach rates of their games on the Wii U. As we can see the install base for the time the console has been on the market is not anything to write home about. But, neither is a 6.3 + million user base a negative no’ in terms of potential sales. Nintendo’s own software has proven that. With SM3DW selling over a million copies. Mario Kart 8 did that in the first 48 hrs. Many of the backend costs would be comparable. As third parties are only dealing in software. I think this a relevant problem. It’s that third parties need an order of magnitude higher install base than Nintendo on Nintendo hardware to sell their games.
So attach rate is more the issue here than install rate. Something Nintendo and third parties need to brainstorm a solution.
For a port your breakdown is pretty good. But it has to be noted that many of those resources are handled by vastly smaller teams. The code is not re-written entirely and in many documented cases working versions of those titles were up and running in a matter of days. Not weeks. It then comes down to two things imo. Gamepad development and integration and optimisation. One area most studios are outsourcing. Because the technology requires effort. A company like ubisoft has not done this. So their understanding of the hardware is better than most. The second point is that the job needed to get it to work is the priority. This to me is obvious. As the titles can run better, but they rarely do. A form of cost control, likely related to your mention of salary.
So in a nut shell. We have much smaller teams, less optimisation is most cases etc.. And yes I still want to know what is the real cost there for a multiplatform effort compared to their sales/ attach rate and the money made.
It’s not always a straight line. And not all companies imo are being fair about their decisions. Who can blame them? The result is more important and it’s not in their favour. But also. Who can blame the consumer. They have a certain expectation on quality and comparable content compared to other platforms. And with the reviews, face-offs and the internet in general. It’s easier to see what is being done or not being done. As an owner of multiple platforms I can vouch for that on ports personally.

John Andalora

I agree with everything you just said, and I don’t really feel that I have anything that I could add to it or change about it.

John Andalora

Remember guys, Install base does not mean software sales.
Just because more people have a console doesn’t mean more people will buy games for it.

Nishima

And why would you buy a Wii U For? I mean, if you buy a Wii U you will buy software or it’ll be a waste of money and if you have more consoles out there theres more potential software buyers so yeah, number of consoles is proportional to the number of softwares out there.

John Andalora

Yeah, people buy software.
But owners of other consoles tend to buy more games.

Wii U owners tend to get a couple games, while PS4 and XBO owners get a lot of games.
Wii U owners focus on Nintendo games, while PS4 and XBO owners get random games.

Just because you have a lot of people that own a console, it doesn’t mean they’ll buy your game. The market for the Wii U is Nintendo only, and while a lot of people get few games on Wii U, less people buy more games on XBO, and PS4 people tend to buy more games on average.

Decker Shado

You do realize that on average, more games are sold per Wii U than per PS4, right? In fact, total software sales, Wii U is leading this generation by quite a margin.

John Andalora

You do realize that PS4 numbers are about 21 million and that Wii U is about 25 million, and considering that the PS4 has been out for 8 months and the Wii U has been out for 20 that there is going to be a difference in sales, right?

Decker Shado

The point stands, you said “Wii U owners tend to get a couple of games, while PS4 and XBO owners get a lot of games.”

The fact that there are more PS4s sold, but considerably more Wii U games sold, flies in the face of that statement.

John Andalora

Very well.
I was wrong.

I officially retract that statement, and replace it with a different statement:

Nintendo owners buy Nintendo games, and tend to leave 3rd party multiplatform games.
Having a bigger install base doesn’t mean more people are going to buy every game, because more often than not people only buy the Nintendo games.

Daniel Gonzalez

Very true.

Ducked

Honestly the only third party I’m hoping the Wii U can get support from is Square Enix. Only because I’ve been waiting far to long for Kingdom Hearts 3, and I have my interest in Final Fantasy XV. I can do without EA and Ubisoft, there upcoming games don’t really interest me.

DC777

Definitely. Those games belong on Nintendo.

Daniel Gonzalez

The most you’ll probably get out of KH, is probably a 3DS port. FF XV is likely going to stay off Nintendo consoles. The old school games certainly belong on Nintendo. FF X and up, feels more like Sony to me.

lonewolf

It might be possible since sony sold off their shares that they had square enix.

Daniel Gonzalez

That’s true, but I don’t think that’s going to matter. There is a slim chance for anything, though.

Brandon

That was because square wanted to help sony out, since sony helped them out a while back and put them back on their feets.

Jason

Yes! Bring Final Fantasy back home to where they started.

Benedict Murray

I like the concept of amiibo – buy one thing , alter a few games like physical DLC – but like mentioned by others as an adult buying toys is bit not my thing

I get that they are trying to cater for kids. – a market that’s seemingly ignored by big consoles now although phones seem to to be doing that – but they need more than that to break through and make the Wii u a big success

If it was up to me – it isn’t – then I’d cater for both markets. Make a Wii us system update with the current interface it has now for kids and a more streamlined, adult one if you choose you want that

They should sell the thing with 3 months free netflix + spotify – this caters for all but also if your kid could use the game pad at home all round the house (cough range extension cough) to watch their stuff, look at the internet, play music, play games – with parental controls natch – for no extra cash that’s a pretty big sell to parents

On top of that 3 months music, netflix etc is a pretty good tie in – the dual screen interface is good to use. Just streamline it a bit

Throw in new super Mario bros u and Wii sports tennis remind people they can attach their old Wii controllers, show all the good stuff coming and you have a pretty attractive all in one cheaper package for families especially those with kids

lonewolf

Which was already done.

Benedict Murray

New super Mario pack In Yes. Nothing else. I’m trying to suggest things to improve console sales that are realistic and not financially ruinous for Nintendo

lonewolf

I was reffering to the last segment you have wii sports new super mario bros and you can use the old wii accessories (with that included the controllers) and they showed that on almost every commercial they had up till now.

Benedict Murray

Yes you are right but I don’t think it’s clear to the majority of people who are not gamers. They should categorically say – remember that Wii sports you liked and remember super Mario you used to love. Get both for free with an amazing new machine that plays those old games uses the old controllers , download old games via virtual console – familiarity! – and hey it also works likes a cool set top box for netflix, music, youtube and not only all of this you get a kind of cheap ipad and check out these amazing new games.

When you lay it all out for non tetchy people I think that sounds like a pretty amazing deal.

Benedict Murray

(I live in England – I don’t know if the marketing is different in other parts of the world)

Roadkill409

I like your ideas. Even Netflix already has a kids zone and an adult zone (although strangely it does not work on the Wii U). So it should not be that hard with Parental controls. I was thinking now that Amazon has Prime Music, Nintendo should jump on board with that and get streaming music via Amazon Prime. They already got the videos with Amazon. Streaming music on the Wii U is an obvious hole that could easily be filled. It would just add value.

Benedict Murray

I was thinking amazon as well – they could even pre load the browser to take you to a Nintendo page on amazon. I wonder if as they are doing their own thing more and more if it would be a fit

Another thing I was thinking which would expand out their grasp a bit and answer the ‘smartphone’ thing everyone – sorry analysts – keep obsessing over would be to rethink the virtual console.

Allow either a one purchase play anywhere policy or a netflix style a range of games for a fixed monthly fee. They should then make it so you can Bluetooth attach a Nintendo sold controller to you phone or tablet or PC and play the games from virtual console you have bought there as well. I don’t think that would cannibalise sales and would make it much more attractive.

Andrew Clear

Yet, they support a smaller install base in the xbox one. Reality is, 3rd party publishers shy away from Nintendo’s platforms because they normally make crappy games that can’t compete with the quality games Nintendo makes.

Some publishers don’t want to make anything for a “kids” machine.

If Wii U owners want 3rd party companies to make games, then we need to buy games. I for one, am waiting for Watch Dogs to come on the Wii U, before I buy it.

Of course, ubisoft releasing it later, will kill the sales for the Wii U version.

ben

I wrote this exact thing on another site. The main reason third Parties dont want to be on Nintendo is because they cant compete with the standard of Nintendo’s first party.

Rinslowe

Nothing is so simple though huh. I think we all need to realise that making a game that is being released on multiple platforms is a decent undertaking for any studio. Nintendo doesn’t really have that issue…
That is neither a reason nor an answer to crappy ports though.
But as I’ve said many times before – quoting the main man from Criterion; “You either go all in or not at all”…
And he backed that up by releasing the definitive version of NFSMW on Wii U. Only to see modest no’s…
I don’t think that the majority of companies can’t compete. There is a lot of independent studio’s out there with the same quality and standard as Nintendo under the right circumstances. But it just depends on if they have their priorities straight before going in. And until both third parties and Nintendo find a way to break through that barrier, whereas Wii U owners currently do not want to support third party titles in strength – or third parties prioritise low and develop a crappy product on the platform. Then this issue is here to stay…

greengecko007

The only way 3rd party support on the Wii U is going to increase is if Nintendo pays for it, essentially making it 2nd party anyways. As last generation consoles stop being supported by developers, and bigger, broader games are being made for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One, 3rd party games will continue to skip the Wii U because of either hardware limitations, cost versus profit, and general poor relations.

lonewolf

You mean like sony and microsoft does for their consoles? Paying third party publishers for some “extra features” is not a nintendo thing they dont waste money they make great games with the same money and besides they are not desperate to beg for third party publishers/developers.

greengecko007

Not necessarily. I’m looking more at what Nintendo did with Platinum games and Bayonetta 2. Bayonetta is a third party IP, that because of Nintendo funding it, is going to end up being a second party game exclusive to the Wii U.

ben

That is a little bit different. Platinum is basically a freelance team that publishes with the companies that pay them. It is how they stay making the games they want to make.

A few Japanese studios are going to go this way, and I imagine when American studios, outside of the big three, will follow suit.

Otherwise developers have to work for the terrible 3, EA, Activision and of course UBi. Who are not run by peoople who love games, they are run by people who love money and they have a myopic view of what sells. COD.

greengecko007

There are many more publishers than just EA, Activision, and Ubisoft… The original publisher of the first bayonetta game was Sega. Had Sega stepped up and funded the game, and it would be just a regular 3rd party game again. But Nintendo saved them, and allowed for Platinum’s vision to become reality. By funding a 3rd party game, the only way Nintendo is going to feasibly get more 3rd party support, they ironically and technically make it 2nd party.

ben

I think there was more to it than that.Nintendo also got the Wonderful 101, and we do not know if the contract for games is still not over with Platinum. As far as I can understand they have two teams. One is working with Kamiya on the Xbox game, the other, who knows?

Rinslowe

I agree. It’s not enough that they make a timed exclusive or some content only found on Wii U. Not at this stage. As people are less likely to change their buying habits on the platform just that those reasons alone.
Finding unique exclusive third party titles is the way to make Wii U the only place to be for certain games. First, second and third party.
It’s like looking for a needle in a haystack. But it could work out for them.

lonewolf

Well everybody know that platinum went to nintendo as a last hope and not the other way around which sony and microsoft does they beg to pay for extra features which is pathetic at best.

greengecko007

What does that have to do with anything? You sure love ad hominem. The fact remains that the only reason Nintendo is getting the game is because they paid for it.

Rinslowe

Yep the only real way forward now is in paid exclusive content. And upping their internal development to pump out more titles more often.
Seems they’re slowly doing exactly that.
Third parties aren’t coming back in a hurry and it’s not just because the install base…

Albert Lucero Jr

At this time Nintendo needs to continue scooping up these dead games and putting them out on their system especially since they are more of the hardcore style games. I think the bigger issue here is the fact that most owners that own a Wii U don’t buy Nintendo systems to play those type of third party games. That means Nintendo needs to show gamers that they will have these type of games on their system. They need to allow some of their western studios to make new IP’s that appeal to the west. If that is successful than I can see third parties coming back because they will feel there is an audience on a Nintendo system that will buy their games. Nintendo needs to start this now to prepare for next gen.

Rinslowe

I agree. For this generation the only real options are to bandage the issue with more first and second party titles and certain paid exclusives that cover a different genre and style of game than their own. Ones that are similar to multiplats that are currently skipping Wii U and allowing their western studio/ s/ partners to develop games that appeal predominantly to western gamers is a good point. At the same time they should be repairing relationships with third parties and showing a clear solution to getting the average Nintendo gamer invested in that content. Although, I don’t see that can happen this generation. But yeah. Probably they need to be on to that one, now.
They should also have a more strict QA on thrid party content as well. To ensure whatever multiplats they do end up releasing is comparable to their own titles in performance. There’s nothing flash about buying a game on a more modern system that has framerate issues worse than last generation hardware. Especially when you know that that game can be made to run better…
It’s a twofold issue in that regard imo.

Albert Lucero Jr

Well said! Your point about Nintendo repairing relationships with third parties is crucial. Find out what they can do to ensure their games are on Nintendo’s next gen system and to ensure they are not gimped versions. Nintendo owners have to feel we are buying quality games that Sony/Microsoft owners will buy and third parties have to feel they have an audience on a Nintendo system. I think my thoughts combined with yours would be what Nintendo would have to do to be successful. Lastly I think Nintendo would have to have hardware comparable to the other systems. Not necessarily as strong but comparable enough and to also make the third parties feel a little more welcome with the development of the system. Nintendo needs games like GTA, Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy etc on their systems. So do the work now and continue to do it to ensure third parties brings these games on their next platform.

Daniel Gonzalez

Nice to see that Nintendo is confident…or perhaps they’re stroking their own ego. Who knows with companies. I’m sure some third parties will come back to Nintendo, but I doubt most will. I believe most of them have made up their minds at this point. Of course, time will tell.

Denvy

Well they are trying to sell consoles. Are they going to tell people the opposite? They need to sound confident to build consumer confidence.

Daniel Gonzalez

Of course they have to sound confident. That’s a given. Even if it’s to pretend. My point was that they are either really confident, or their ego is talking. I guess it’s a bit of both.

nexxus6

Does it really matter which one it is?

Daniel Gonzalez

Does it really matter to you that I brung it up?

Denvy

I’d honestly be shocked that there’s anything left of their ego after current sales numbers and predictions for the next year. It’s a flop no matter how anyone cuts it. I’m enjoying my flop of a console, but I’m not blind to the fact.

FutureFox

Third-party devs have their own agendas so I don’t see any number of Wii Us changing things. They’re interested in pushing technical boundaries more so than inventive gameplay mechanics. Sorry Nintendo, its the way things are.

Leo

At this point not even an ultra high tech Nintendo console would bring back their support. It has been years of shaking relations between Nintendo and those companies. What Nintendo needs is hire someone who can work on specifically attract third party support and also spend a good chunk of money buying certain companies (Capcom, Sega, etc).

Metso

I just want Assassin`s Creed games back

Donaald

And once again they are trying to rely on user base instead of improving their third-party relations… They need to pull a PS3 if they intend to make a comeback

David Trail

Wii U has just as many games as PS4 and Xbox One and that is without multi plats. I personally couldn’t give a toss if multi plats came back to the Wii U. There are only a few must play multi plats each year and I have the other two consoles for that.

MerryBlind .

Wii U has many more actual good games. Great even. I can count on one hand the amount of good games the PS4 and X1 both have together.

Link00

I finally beat the special cup with 3 stars on mk8! it took me 3 weeks!

David Trail

150 cc mode is hard in Mario Kart 8.

David Trail

Wii U game drought lol?????

Michael Ocampo

How do you have 2 gamepads? You got two Wii Us?

Shootdatrupee!…

You can buy game pads on their own pretty much anywhere that sells Wii Us. Atleast that’s true where I live.

David Trail

That Wii U is my brothers.

Shootdatrupee!…

You have all three consoles and two of one of them?
Holy….

David Trail

I have a Wii, Wii U, 360, Xbox One, PS3, PS4, PS Vita and 3DS. I had a lot more but some consoles broke over the years.

Roadkill409

that is awesome! and I thought I bought a lot of games.

2Макс2

Since you have that large collection, what are your favourites?

David Trail

My top 5 Wii U games are:

1. Lego City Under Cover

2. Zombi U

3. Mario Kart 8

4. DKC TF

5. SM3DW

Nate

Lego City Undercover is still my favorite Wii U game too.

Petri

Nice, I have 30/0/0.

+ I bought couple of retail games from eShop.
I do not plan on getting PS4, since it doesn’t really offer anything for me, that my PC can’t do.

It is time for Nintendo go shopping third party support. With the news of Capcom being available for purchase they better start thinking about spending the cash all over the industry. Capcom and Sega would be a nice start… maybe Crytek UK as well (former Rare employees)…

Elhijodelrio

Nintendo has been in the software and hardware business long enough to understand and know that could be one of the biggest reasons and downfall of their company duh

nexxus6

I am glad that Nintendo is focusing on expanding the install base. However, I am not sure why third parties don’t panic over install base numbers of the Xbone? They seem to have no problem pumping out games for their 4+ million systems. Also, EA never did offer support other than the titles at launch. They didn’t give Nintendo a chance to succeed or fail, instead, EA packed up their toys and stomped home after Nintendo rejected Origin.

Kevin Malone

“we’ve seen support from Electronic Arts dry up to nothing” Stop talking about the good news, and tell me what Nintendo needs to regain support from.

tom

To some extent i understand Ubisofts( larger user base) logic. However i think the quality of the games makes a great difference also. However i am a little confused. The company Warner Bros/Tt games releases 2-3 lego games a year across ALL platforms. In general ( i cant speak for all platforms) the wii u versions do not sell all that well yet they keep cranking them out. Lego dc 2 sold about 20 k. Lego marvel about 200k, so far lego hobbit 50 k. Heck Batman Beyond legos is coming out later this year. So i would assume the Wii U version of these games are profitable enough to continue. So can someone explain to me what is ubisoft/ any 3rd party companys issue or beef with nintendo? Also the 3ds has a user base of about 50 million. By logic would it be wise to produce software for the 3ds? My 2 cents.

J_Joestar

guessing it also has to do with budget costs of developing the games? the Lego brand game may simply cost so much less than their other stuff that it is easy for the m to recoup the costs of porting to everything.

Rinslowe

You know. I’m going to go against the grain here and say that it’s not really the install base that’s the prime issue with third parties, on Nintendo’s home consoles. Although that is certainly understandable as a valid reason. The truth seems to be in my observation, that the bigger problem is in their attach rates on Nintendo’s consoles. Sure more Wii U owners will allow for more third party sales. But the quantity required is much greater than for the other platforms. And the main culprit is Nintendo’s first party IP’s. They are a double edged sword for their own hardware. Then there is the issue of half assed ports. And lets face it people. They exist. They out no’ the decent ports probably 3:1 if not more and they’re overpriced and late to market. You’d literally need to be a die hard fan to accept that practice by parting with hard earned dollars on those titles.
But again, I believe the biggest problem that Nintendo has is their first party offerings. And Nintendo owners would prefer to experience those guaranteed polished titles first before investing in third party. So I think Nintendo needs to sit down and think about how to ensure the right amount of effort goes into ports on their systems. Bringing the average level of quality up to par with their own. But also in educating their user base somehow on being more open minded to third party titles in general.
It’s an issue that has negative aspects from multiple angles affecting it’s performance. And they all need to be addressed simultaneously. It’s not just one point or another and everything is fixed.
Unless they grow the install base to gargantuan no’s and by brute force the attach rates are profitable for all involved. But that ain’t happening people…

Nintenjoe82

I agree with most of what you’re saying. It always hurts to know stuff like Disaster or Eternal Darkness won’t sell enough for a sequel but Nintendo can release more Mario levels for a guaranteed few million sales.

I’ve bought just as many 3rd party Wii U games as 1st party if not more so it’s particularly frustrating that I am almost the only one who wants to play CoD or Tekken

WhataShame

I can get behind most of what you are saying, as there is truth in it… but honestly, this should inspire third-parties to do better, not keep whining that their ‘me-too’ shooter or their half-assed port didn’t sell well. Take Nintendo’s example to heart and create entertaining, polished, quality gaming experiences. Find something unique to do on their system. It’s not like there aren’t many ways to play games on the Wii U. Try. Harder.

And maybe that’s where the system sales come in. Maybe the larger the base, the greater the risk they will take with creativity and gameplay.

Or not. If you’re talking about EA or Activision.

Rinslowe

True. But I think they’re honestly hoping Nintendo meets them part way on an exclusive. I’m not entirely sure about that route. But it wouldn’t hurt Nintendo to co-fund a few unique exclusives like they have done for Bayo 1 & 2 and Devils third to ensure certain genres are provided. And they shouldn’t be ports. People are not going to choose ports in great no’s when other platforms are getting them sooner or cheaper.
I think timed exclusivity is a waste of money for a Nintendo platform and so is exclusive content. The title itself needs to be exclusive. And I don’t know, perhaps that would be Wii U’s strongest message to the consumer in the long run. They make exclusive first and second party games only found on Wii U. But it’s also the only place to play the best of their third party content as well, as they co- fund the projects to ensure exclusivity and work with less known but capable studio’s to get games developed that way. Some of the idea’s could come from Nintendo themselves. I mean they have a huge amount of talent. Developers and gamer’s that have many unique idea’s that fall outside of Nintendo’s internal practices. No doubt that could benefit a cooperation with an outside entity…
They’ve got many possible options there I reckon. Now that they’re upping their internal development to meet the demand for more games, that are missing by third parties going elsewhere. They probably have their hands full for another 12 months or so. But Devils Third was proof they’re able to make these kinds of changes. Hopefully we see more of it.

Logan Waltz

Six or seven million install base and that’s what scares them away? What are the xbox1 and ps4 at for install right now? Or is this bullshit?

FutureFox

Exactly. The install base argument is a red herring. Nintendo is the only company that trues to foster new gameplay. The way I see it the other console guys and AAA/AA third-party companies are only in the “game” to push hardware boundaries through the gaming medium. Do great games from this? Sure, but they also are on the same controller type from decades ago. The dualshock4 is an upgrade though.

Brandon

Ps4 has a larger install base sitting at 8.1 million, but xbox one has a smaller install base at 4.5 million. The fact is, both get good sells when it comes to third party games, and its easy to port to one from the other.

Brandon Olson

3rd party care more about the gamers that oggle over 1080p/60fps and better graphics. The games look good, but the leap in technology isn’t that great to my eyes and from what I’ve played.

It frustrates me to no end, but I’ve got a stellar library and a good couple of 3rd party titles that are made of awesome. Take Assassin’s Creed III and Ninja Gaiden 3 for example.

The message of the Wii U was a problem, BUT. Right now? It’s a combination of the gamers (that slam Wii U as a console) and the 3rd party people that cater to them because “lol Nintendo”

I see this as the truth.

Petri

The “leap” is my PC from 5 years ago.
Thats why, instead of getting a PS4, I got new graphics card.

Nintendo makes fun games, and their support for Bayonetta and Devils Third shows, they have interest in broader variety of games.
I have bought multiplatform games for Wii U, because it is more comfortable to play it in my living room, than in my man cave.
Nintendo is the platform, that whole family can enjoy.

So let haters hate, and let them have their mediocre third party support.

Brandon Olson

I’d have to disagree on the whole mediocre third party support thing. Sony and Microsoft have some pretty kickass things coming to them. Me? I’m a big JRPG nut on the side so Kingdom Hearts III and Final Fantasy XV are nice ones. Call of Duty and Battlefield are games I don’t play often, but skipping out on those is unfortunate too.

Not to mention Arkham Knight. GOD that game looks awesome. When I saw the gameplay trailer with Batman looking over practically ALL of Gotham and gliding down? It was awesome! I didn’t lament it not being on Wii U, though the option would have been nice. I would have gotten Arkham Knight on PS4 anyways regardless because whenever I finally DO get a PS4 (not enough games on the system that interest me yet. whereas on Wii U there’s a LOT of them), getting Batman on it will add nicely to the collection of titles I start on it.

Otherwise? I agree. IMO Nintendo is where it’s at right now if you want a sweet variety.

Petri

Battlefield has been dead to me ever since of BF 3.
I enjoyed BF 3 to a extent, but it wasn’t the Battlefield I used to love.
And I will not even touch that game they could have as well sold as DLC called Hardline.
Call of Duty is fine enough, when enjoyed rationally, one game a year is too much for me.
Arkham Knight is a mild disappointment, even though Origins left a bad taste, I know it’s Rocksteady doing it this time, but this whole emphasis in to Batmobile just does not really do it for me.
I loved Asylum, liked City, but every iteration seems to take the game away from what I loved.
But I will most probably eventually get Knight for my PC.

Brandon Olson

Well one thing is certain at least. No matter where the comes show up? The gamers win, in the end. 2014/2015 are gonna be great years!

Petri

Yes, I’m eagerly waiting for October, Bayonetta alone could carry me half a generation.
And the game offerings for 2014 to 2015 does look great.

Petri

And I like JRPG’s as well, though never touched Kingdom Hearts, and Final Fantasy has gotten kinda stale.
But at least we get X, and if that does well, maybe we get other JRPG’s as well.

Nintendo have been in the game long enough to know you gotta get a couple of good games early on. They would have been better of releasing at the same time as the ps4 but with pikmin 3, 3d world, wonderfull 101 and Zelda wind waker HD as launch games. They would have stole the show also people would probably now it’s a new console coming out at the same time as the others.

Rinslowe

Totally agree. And now in hindsight. Even though we can all agree there’s more power under the hood of both the PS4 and Xbox One.
The quality and visual beauty found in Nintendo’s first party Wii U games so far have leveraged against that, quite well for what it is…
The power debate really having nothing groundbreaking to show for itself, that we haven’t already seen in terms of “pixels and polygons” lol, on PC – of yesteryear…

It’s about performance, quality and polish in the experience. The exclusivity of those experiences. And all three consoles have that. Either currently or in the pipeline.

Gameonfool

Yep I haven’t seen anything on the ps4 or xbone that looks that much better than the wii u tbh. I bet zelda u will look jaw dropping in action. The gap isn’t as big this time. Sure the wii u may struggle when the other two are pushed to the max but does it matter that much, I don’t think so.

Thedude

So much delusion. Wii U will die get over it nintenyearolds

J_Joestar

Not that big a delusion when Ubisoft themselves admitted they have a fully complete Wii U game but are waiting for an improved install base before they bother releasing it.

Mtz

what we want too is a better messages / invitation systeme and a better instal base then the 3rd party will come

Nate

I hope Nintendo is right. I’m really enjoying Assassin’s Creed IV and Deus Ex on my Wii U right now. It would be nice to not have to buy two consoles every generation.

Nintenjoe82

To be honest I’d rather they didn’t bother supporting Wii U with minimalistic ports but that’s the best we can hope for. Hopefully Nintendo will add a little variety to their 2nd party projects because they’re all action games at the moment. It’s not going to happen but I’d love a Wii U exclusive GTA.

ShortyStock

So 3rd parties don’t invest in the Wii U because it doesn’t sell well enough? Y’know a console obviously won’t do so great without the support of 3rd parties. Sometimes you have to spend money to make money. That’s just business.

Zanzama

There is a difference between a risky decision and a decision where you can’t do much wrong as far as business goes. Some companies just like to play it safe.

47 Cents

I couldn’t give a rats about EA. I don’t get the attraction. Their games are the same as the same as the same…
Just increments. They are 100% replicable by independent developers, let alone other companies. Nothing about their games is original, and a lot of their increments are the exact same game as the last version, with the exception of names and maybe a new character.
Not enough people campaigning for consumers when it comes to software.
For example FIFA/NBA/NFL etc.. (Sports games) should be only allowed every 5 years. New kits/players/balls/signings etc.. should be Free DLC.
The same should apply to war series’ (MoH, Battlefield).
EA aren’t the only ones abusing this, but they are the most contumelious,
They should be allowed to take advantage of their position.

Petri

Just checked my retailers web page, Wii U’s stock is negative, meaning some people are waiting for their Mario Kart bundles, and they used to have decent stocks of the console.
They have sold them pretty well.
So if this is any reflection to what is happening in the big world, Wii U is turning up a little.

Al_1978

Wii U has more installed base than XBOne, the problem is the bad mood to do things with Nintendo. Third party developers still seeing Wii U as Wii, and it’s different. There is a lot of hardcore gamers on Wii U waiting for those games. They just need to try!

verymetal

I think the main reason for third party abandonment is actually due to the hardware. Look, I like Nintendo and their games, but the Wii U is seriously lacking in their hard drive and system memory. There are more Wii U’s sold than Xbox ones, right? So, I am thinking the issue is partly due to demographics (Yes, the kids that rely on mommy and daddy to buy the games) and the overall system power. Hopefully, Nintendo has learned a lesson here, and when their next console comes out. They do not cut corners and actually deliver powerful hardware that is up to date.

http://www.mpt-online.eu/ Sylux

I keep wondering this although it’s true that Wii U has a low install base and for that they claim we won’t make Wii U games because it only has 4-6 million consoles out there worldwide but we’ll make games for PS4 and XO which have zero install base…

That was the case about a year ago. And now they still say the same, it’ll turn out better probably but I would like to see it first before I believe the confidence from this good man. I hope he’s right.

Allvalve

The 3rd parties won’t return to Wii U, even if they sell 20 million units next year.
Nintendo should finish up the projects they have on the go and then move on. Talk to developers now,and broker the deals necessary to have have support next gen, but don’t talk them into launching games on Wii U that won’t sell as the next gen will then have even less support than the Wii U did.
Wii U will have some absolute classics, much in the same way that the Gamecube did, but it won’t be enough.
I expect next years E3 will bring news of 3DS2 and a Wii U successor based on compatible architecture. Please call it something sensible this time Nintendo: if you have to keep the Wii name call it the Wii 3, but at this point the Wii brand is more of a hindrance than a help. I quite like MegaNES.

Pablo Lavín

I don’t really care about the most third party games. C’mon, Indies are doing better efforts.

Allvalve

Indeed, Nintendo should look at the data, see which Indie games are selling, give those developers a proper budget to make a follow up on the the Wii U successor, and you never know, if they take the top 20 and give those devs a few million each they could potentially own the next Minecraft, not to mention 19 other new and exclusive IP’s.

Kmac

PLEASEE!!! Man my prayers would be answered!

Zanzama

That’s the kind of tactic they used on the 3DS and it worked. I would be glad to see the same thing happening again.

john

I don’t know if this is necessarily true. The Wii outsold both the Xbox 360 and the PS3, but it seems like it only got a few third-party developers that weren’t limited to shovelware or lazy ports. I’m pretty sure the only games I played rigorously on the Wii were first party Nintendo games.

Jonathan Robitaille

There’s very little reason for 3rd parties to support the Wii U. Nintendo, per usual, built a console that requires extra development time. It also has different architecture and less power. Most of the studios out there are going for ultra realism and that means they want power, and ease of operation to utilize that power. So i.e. Nintendo’s audience is not optimal, the hardware is not optimal, and the install base is low. I can’t blame them.

However, if you are going to make a game for the Wii U the least you could do is put out a good product and have realistic sales expectations. Ubi has very little to complain about as they delay, gimp, and generally do not put in the same amount of effort on multi plats for the Wii U (RL the exception). EA doesn’t even try that hard sadly.